A couple years after Jose Cabrera was released from prison and got help from the David Lewis Reentry Center, he returned to work for the center as a case manager — now helping others get another chance at life.

The David Lewis Reentry Center helps formerly incarcerated persons with services to aid their reintegration into society. But despite its apparent success, the program has continually struggled to find funding.

Overall crime has dropped in East Palo Alto as gentrification continues, but one problem persists — the city has struggled to lose its unwanted reputation as a center for gang activity in San Mateo County.

In 2006, voters approved a parcel tax that would equally fund public safety measures and violence prevention programs. The city is now racing the clock to use unspent prevention money before the tax expires.

Despite a reported drop in gang-related violent crimes, San Jose is hosting town hall meetings to listen to community concerns about gang members selling drugs outside schools and wall graffiti marking turf.